Live updates

The Queen sent a message to President Obama this evening in which she said she was "deeply shocked and saddened" to hear of the Connecticut school shooting:

I have been deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the dreadful loss of life today in Newtown, Connecticut; particularly the news that so many of the dead are children.

Prince Philip joins me in extending our heartfelt sympathy to you and the American people at this difficult time.

The thoughts and prayers of everyone in the United Kingdom and throughout the Commonwealth are with the families and friends of those killed and with all those who have been affected by today's events.

This evening Michelle and will do what I know every parent in America will do, which is hug our children a little tighter and we'll tell them that we love them and remind each other how deeply we love another.

But there are families in Connecticut that cannot do that tonight and they need all of us right now, and I will do everything in my power as President to help.